Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Hello Eric,

I have an adjudication withheld/felony/battery from over ten years ago. I was never convicted and released from probation two years early for good behavior. I have payed my dues; court fees,anger management,community service and probation. Regardless if I admit to my background or not , I still can not find work, I have been turned down by big corporations like Walmart, and pending on my background from Home Depot. I can not work with children or elderly and had to drop out of nursing school. Now wanting to be a Vet Assistant because I love animals and a state license is not required; hoping this dream career is not crushed as well. Please help me get through this nightmare. It is my past not my present nor my future. I only defended my life, and could not afford a real attorney. Faced five years in prison if I was found guilty at my trial so I took a plea in my best interest not having a trial but now realizing it was in my worst interest. No matter how many years go by.

GT

Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Hello GT,

I believe you took the correct path with Withheld Adjudication.  There is absolutely no need for an expensive trial which you may have lost and got an awful conviction on your record and also be out of a lot of money.  This way you have no conviction on your record.

It seems that you are getting in your own way a bit.  Let's start with applications. Employers are rarely interested in charges, just convictions.  Typically, applications ask "Have you ever been convicted of a crime...."  Since you have not been convicted, you should NEVER list it on an application if the application asks for convictions.  The answer is "NO."

Let's get clear about Withheld Adjudication.  Withheld adjudication / deferred judgement/deferred adjudication generally relates to a determination by a judge to place a person on probation without a judgement of guilt. There will be terms set by the court, usually a fine and a period of probation. Once the conditions are fulfilled, the charges are normally dismissed.  Since your charges were dismissed you should NEVER list it.  Now, if an application asks for charges, you can list it and note that the charge has been dismissed.  Please, please. please don't take my word for this.  This is simply general information.  You should get clarification from the prosecutor associated with this case to be absolutely sure. As I tell every ex-offender and felon I work with, never offer information that is not asked for and it will make your job search a lot easier

I hope this helps you feel more confident when applying for jobs. 

Jobs for Felons: What is Withheld Adjudication?

Jobs for felons: The difference between deferred adjudication and probation

 Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Besides Jobs, What Do Ex-offenders and Felons Need?

I use this blog to answer questions from ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. From time to time, I come across some things from others that I feel should be shared. This comes from a human services student, Roger P., who would like to know directly from those in need what is needed.

 "I am not a convicted felon or an ex-offender, however, I know many people who are and see the struggle they have in that life situation. Today something tugged at my heartstrings. I am human services student, currently working on certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. I have been doing research for a class on the topic of criminality. My first instinct was to explain what criminal thinking is and how it is changed. However, my research has led me in a different direction. I have decided to concentrate on the lack of resources, myths rubber-stamped by society, and postulating an awareness of these struggles that continue the cycle to recidivism.

I'm asking you, to help me understand, how I can help you and others, who wear that rubber-stamp (CONVICTED FELON), to live productive, meaningful, and happy lives. The only person who truly understands what it is to be oppressed is the oppressed person. As the societal oppressor, I can stand on your shoulders all day long and never know what it feels like for you to have me standing on your shoulders." 

All comments are welcome

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- Eric

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record

Besides Jobs, What Do Ex-offenders and Felons Need?

Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I love reading your blog.  Thank you for this information.  I have been looking for a job but I have a very serious charge and it is making it very hard for me to get a job.  In 2002, I got into a fight with a guy.  I didn't start it but the guy got beat up pretty bad and later died.  I was charged with assault and involuntary manslaughter.  I have done my time but I feel that this black mark is keeping me from getting a job.

I am not a violent person but this thing makes me look like a monster.  What can I do?

Henry

 Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Hello Henry,

That is quite a story.  It's unfortunate that hings turned out the way they did.  It certainly could have been a lot worse.  You could have been the other guy.  Your charge is serious but it is not the end of the world.  I work with ex-offenders and felons everyday and I have had students with similar felonies and they are working to this day.  To employers, theft, robbery and other crimes involving integrity are looked down far more than offenses like yours.

When you apply for jobs you should respond to the "Have you been convicted of a crime..." question this way.  When answering this question you must list four things.  You must list the location of the conviction (County, State,) the conviction, the date of the conviction and the disposition ( final outcome.)  It should look

like this:

Cook County, Illinois,   Involuntary Manslaughter (Isolated Incident,) June 2005, Time served, 13 years.

Notice the notation after the conviction "Isolated Incident."  This tells the employer that this was something that was not planned, it was circumstantial. You will be surprised how well this works.  When you get an interview, the charge will probably come up.  You should begin your explanation of the incident with "I'm glad you asked that question because I want you to be comfortable hiring me......."  then, most humbly explain what happened.

I tell every felon I work with that finding a job is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the more interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get, the more opportunities you will get to get hired.  Apply for every job you feel you qualify for.  Never eliminate yourself by not applying.


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Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs

Jobs for Felons: What Employers want on Applications

Jobs for Felons:3 Most Common Mistakes Made on an Employment Application

Are you a felon or ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here.  Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

If you are really serious about getting a job or you want to help someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

 

   

Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

 Do Employers Have to Hire Felons?

Hi Eric, 

I was just wondering if you have any recent experience with a few of the companies on your website with regards to hiring felons. I was offered 2 positions, one by Comcast and one by Xerox, and they both declined the offer after the background check came back. My conviction is over 8 years old and had nothing to do with the positions I was being hired for. 

I have my second interview tomorrow with American Express and really don't want to got through the same disappointment. American Express asked the question about conviction on the applicant, whereas the other two companies did not. American Express still called and is taking me through the interview process, so I was just wondering if you had any insight into their company policy and if I would have any recourse against American Express if they declined the offer after the background check is conducted, since I fully disclosed everything on my application upon applying. 

I'm located in Florida, if that helps. 

Thanks!

 Do Employers Have to Hire Felons?

Hello,

Unfortunately I meet ex-offenders and felons who misunderstand what is meant by companies that hire ex-offenders and felons.  Just because a company has a policy that allows for the hiring of people with criminal records, doesn't mean that will hire all felons.  Always the nature of the conviction will be considered.

It is my experience that anyone with a conviction that involves any type of theft, fraud or robbery has a very difficult time landing a job that involves trust on any level.  Also any type of assault (aggravated or sexual) will create a difficult challenge.  Difficult does not mean impossible.  Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should apply for every job they feel qualified for.  They have to make the most of every opportunity to get hired.

As for having legal recourse against any company that refuses to hire you,  you have none.  Any company is free to hire or not anyone it chooses.  There is no law that states that felons have a right to a job.  Employers have a responsibility to hire the best person available.

There is a movement in this country to help make getting jobs for felons a lot easier.  The federal government is also pitching in with programs that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  You can find more about them here:

I hope this helps.  Jobs for Felons: Government Help For Felons Looking for Jobs

Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2019)

Do Employers Have to Hire Felons?

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Second chance jobs | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Help for Felons

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and if there is one thing I stress is the power of the first impression.  How you look is going to speak volumes about you before you ever open your mouth.  Whether out looking for a job, filling out applications or interviewing that first impression is powerful.  What do people see when they see you?  Do they see a thug or a businessperson?  Everything about you should "Professional."

The classic look for men is a dark suit with a light colored shirt and a color coordinated tie.  At the very least, dark slacks, with a light colored shirt and a nice silk tie.  Don't forget the shined shoes.  For women, a classic  pant or skirt suit with coordinated pumps. 

I meet ex-offenders and felons who tell me that they do not have the money to buy the kind of clothes that I'm talking about.  There is a solution, the local thrift store.  I know what you are thinking- used clothes,
yuck!  Get rid of you prejudices that thrift stores are full of junk that other people threw away.  The fact is, thrift stores often have high quality clothes at bargain basement prices.  Check this true story about an actual student of mine:

"Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs" 

 

I recently took a student of mine to a local thrift store because he told me he did not have clothes for an upcoming interview.  This is what we got.


1 pair of  Perry Ellis Portfolio double pleated, cuffed slacks - $4.00

1 Ralph Lauren Dress shirt - $3.00

1 Nautica silk tie - $2.00

1 pair of Cole Haan shoes $12.00

He went home with clothes that would make him look like a million dollars for $21.00!

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are great for finding good bargains on clothes. Here are some tips to make thrift store shopping a great experience.

 Give yourself time.  Thrift stores usually have a lot of things to look through.  Take your time and find what you need.

Go with a friend.  It’s good to have a second opinion. If you're a guy, go with a girl.  If you're a girl, vice versa.  Your friend will be able to help you decide if something really looks good on you.

Find out if there are any sales.  Some thrift stores color code the sale items.  Some stores even have a sale day.  Find out how to make your thrift store bargains even better.

If possible, buy clothes that are machine washable.  What good is getting a good deal on slacks if you can only dry clean them.

Look clothes over very carefully.  Nothing is worse than thinking you have found a nice shirt, only to get home and find a hole on the back or the cuffs are frayed.

Try clothes on.  You will feel really bad if you got those great slacks home and they don't fit

Wash clothes when you get home.  Thrift store clothes are basically clean, but many have been on the rack for a while and need to be freshened up before wearing.

Thrift stores are a great option for ex-offenders and felons who want to look professional but do not have a lot of money.  To find your local thrift store, check your local telephone book.  Even if you haven't decided that thrift stores are for you.  Try one anyway.  Go down and look around.  Even if you don't buy anything the first time, don't be surprised if you go back at another time.


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 Jobs for Felons: How to Shop at Thrift Stores

Jobs for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs : What to wear to the interview

Jobs for Felons and Ex-offenders: How to Tie a Tie

Jobs for felons: Ten Simple Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

 

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record?  I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for over ten years and I feel I have an understanding of what works. I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog so feel free to send me your questions.   The right information could help a felon get jobs.  You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: Adogzheart2@gmail.com.

If you are a felon and really serious about getting a job or you want to help someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

 

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

Hello,

My name is Dylan and I am a two time felon. I have to 3rd degree burglary charges under my belt from 2004-2005 in New Jersey. I moved to North Carolina after Sandy hit the entire state of New Jersey. It is very hard to find work. I can not even get hired at the local McDonald's or other low entry level jobs. I feel like I am at the end of my rope. I have been out of trouble for so many years and still paying for my mistakes today. I feel hopeless. I can't provide for myself let alone for someone else.

I am 27 years old and I just want my life to start. I will take any kind of job but it seems that no one will take a chance on me. I currently live with a friend who has been taking care of me and supporting me. He is falling behind on his bills because of it. I am out of options. I am in a new state where I do not now anyone. No family or friends in the area and no one to help. I am desperately asking you for any help that you can give me.. I live in High Point, North Carolina. I have been rejected from everywhere over and over. Even from temp agencies. I do not know what else to do.

Please help!

 

Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

Hello Dylan,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I am in New Jersey, and yes Sandy did a lot of damage here.   The very first thing I suggest to every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is to go to your local One-stop Career Center.  There you will find a number of great resources that can help you find a job or even a

career.  If you need a resume, you can get help getting one.  If you need interview skills, you can get help.  There are also lists of open positions in your area.  In addition, you will find counselors that can give you employment assistance.  Often the counselors know of employers who have hired ex-offenders and felons in the past.

You can find the office in High Point below:

High Point JobLink Career Center
 607 Idol Street
High Point, NC 27262

You say you have applied for temporary employment.  There is a trick to apply for temporary jobs.   The trick is to apply at small independent agencies.  Smaller agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they choose and are more likely to hire ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.  You may find some in your local telephone directory.  Apply to them as you would any other employer.

Take a look at the video below.

Jobs for felons: Working as a Temporary Employee

Jobs for Felons: How to Find Hidden Jobs

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Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

   Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

 Hello Mr. Mayo,

I committed a crime over 10 years ago, I pleaded guilty and go two years probation.  My church gave me a job after my conviction. I didn’t have to worry about seeking employment elsewhere.  I no longer work at the church for personal reasons.  I am currently looking for a job and it’s hard for me.   I was wondering if you could give me some advice on where to start or if there are programs out there for women.  I live in Virginia Beach

Lisa

Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Unfortunately, I don't know of any programs in the Virginia Beach area for women.  The first place I suggest for every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is the nearest One-stop Career Center.  Your local One-stop can help you with some valuable services that help you get a job.  You can get help with your interviewing skills, a resume and there are computers and copiers you can use.  There are also state issued lists of open jobs in your area.  Each center has a staff of counselors that can help you in your job search.  Many counselor's regularly work with felons and ex-offenders and know of employers in the area that will give them a chance.  You can find the Center in your area here:

http://servicelocator.org

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Another suggestion is to find your local United Way office.  The United Way supports a large number of social service agencies that may be able to help you.  They can direct you to resources that may help a female felon or felons in general.  There may be other services that can help you get back on track.  The United Way in your area can be found here:

United Way of South Hampton Roads

United Way of South Hampton Roads
PO Box 41069
Norfolk, VA 23541-1069
(757) 853-8500
http://www.unitedwayshr.org/


Counties served by United Way of South Hampton Roads:

Chesapeake

Isle Of Wight

Norfolk


Portsmouth

Suffolk

I hope this info helps

Jobs for Felons: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Felon in NJ Needs Help Finding a Job

I live in Hudson county, N.J. And I've been unemployed for over 9 months now. I've applied to over 45 different places and its always "Sorry but our insurance won't allow us to hire an ex-offender," or simply no response at all! Please tell me were does a person who hasn't been in any trouble since 2004 go an get a job?


Sincerely,

Hopeless...

 Felon in NJ Needs Help Finding a Job

Hello Hopeless,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. My first suggestion to every felon I meet is to contact your local One-stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career. Some services available are:


Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

The One-Stop Career Center in Hudson County is located at 438 Summit Avenue, 2nd Floor
Jersey City, NJ . Many of the counselors have experience working with ex-offenders and felons.

Everyone else can find the One-stop Career Center near them by clicking the link below:

One-stop Career Centers


You may also contact the Offender Aid and Restoration of Essex County

Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) assists people with criminal records re-enter the community. In addition to helping clients acquire current forms of identification, OAR provides job development and placement services. Other services include transportation support and referrals for substance abuse treatment.

Contact:

Offender Aid and Restoration of Essex County, 164 Clinton Ave., St. 170, Irvington, NJ

I hope this helps.

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Jobs for ex-offenders and felons:  Where can a felon find jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felon in NJ Needs Help Finding a Job

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

I have an aggravated battery in DuPage county in Illinois. It happened in 1996 and have not been able to find a job in the past 6 months because of my background. I have been offered many positions and then after the criminal background check told they were looking for someone else. Is there anything you know of in Illinois that might help me?

Ryan,

 Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Hello Ryan,

First of all, like I tell all ex-offenders and felons applying for jobs - always be honest! If the the question is asked on the application, answer honestly.  If you are less than honest on the application and a background check is done, you have no chance at the job.  Even if you are hired in the interim, you will probably be fired for being dishonest, rather than having a record.

Many felons opt to apply for jobs at smaller companies. Smaller companies often don't do extensive background checks as a means to save money.

Secondly I would seek legal counsel to have this conviction downgraded possibly to a misdemeanor. This will make it easier to work with. Often felon job searches begin with legal assistance. Contact your local legal aid office. You may qualify for low cost or no cost assistance to get this done. You may find more information here:

http://www.lafchicago.org/content/view/17/45/

Thirdly, I would visit the local One-stop Career center. There are many services as well as counselors that can help felons get jobs. You can find the center near you here:

http://www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

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This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Felon Looking for Job in NC

I ran across your name on line. I was hoping you could help me. my son is 22. He did 2 years DOC time in Fl and is on Probation here in Raleigh, NC for three years now. He is on interstate compact probation. He has been home since May and has been perfect. As I know you hear so much he can not find a job anywhere. He is a hard worker and has worked as a commercial fisherman and my ex-husband had a tire and wheel shop that Josh, my son, worked at from 10-16.   He was employed with a hardscaping contractor for the last six months and they were paying him 7.50 dollars to dig trenches and build patios and pools and fire pits and sort. The hours were by the weather and sometimes he only got 8 hours a week. Jay would work 60 if he could get the hours. His boss laid everyone off and is going under due to economy and so now Jay is completely unemployed again. Can you help me by telling me anywhere that might hire him in Raleigh? He does have a reliable vehicle and a current drivers license.

He did try Walmart, Ross, kmart, hilton, Marriott, Lowes, Foodlion, merchants tire, jiffy lube, verizon and even burger King and ups and they were all a no go when it got to the background part. Several of these he had two or three interviews at and then was dropped due to background. Is there anywhere of that you know for sure will? he is getting so discouraged. He is very dependable and does not drink or do drugs and has a great family life and is a great people person and laborer.

He has been through job link and dresses professional..do u know anywhere?

Felon Looking for Job in NC

Hello,

I'm sorry your son is having so much trouble.  There is a concern I have.  You say he gets an interview but is turned away when the background issue comes up.  Is it possible he is not being totally honest when filling out the application.  If he answers the questions honestly, there are no surprises when background checks are done.  I encourage a every felon and ex-offender I work with to always be honest in all phases of the job search process.  Never volunteer information but if the question comes up on either on an application or interview, always answer honestly.  I know of too many people who have been less than honest when completing applications and gotten hired, only to be fired when background checks were done.  They were not fired for having criminal backgrounds, they were fired for falsifying the application.

Don't give up on the JobLink.  There are new employment listing added all the time.  Once he is registered as a JobLink client, he can check openings online.  If he hasn't already, he should speak to a counselor there so he can get one-on-one assistance. He should tell the counselor about his prior experience so he can browse available jobs by interest.  The JobLink in Raleigh is:

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC
3351 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, NC 27610

In the meantime, I suggest he contact Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina. Goodwill offers ex-offenders employment opportunities in their retail locations.  This may help until he able to a find more suitable job.

You can find more information here:

http://goodwillenc.org/

I hope this helps.

Where can a felon find jobs

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Jobs for Felons: Immediate Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Using Personal Data Sheets to get Jobs

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

 

Felon Looking for Job in NC